D-Tools Releases System Integrator Software 5.5

D-Tools is releasing its latest version of its System Integrator Software — SI5.5.

The upgrade includes an emphasis on project management and is a reflection of input from its dealers, according to Tim Bigoness, vice president of marketing.

"They were telling us, 'We need more powerful management tools.'"

SI 5.5, which is being demonstrated here at CEDIA Expo 2008 at booth 209, enables integrators to create detailed projects.

These include: automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders, drawings and additional documents that aid the integration process.

Bigoness says the SI5.5 comes at a time when dealers need it most, alluding to the slow construction market and down economy.

"It's more important then ever for these guys to understand profit per project," he says.

New features in SI5.5 include:

• Tools and functionality geared towards better management of system integrations
• Improved scheduling tools for both work and service calls
• Service orders to help manage and bill for warranty and maintenance calls
• Gant chart view to visibly manage tasks and labor resources and dependencies
• Improved remote user connectivity
• Support for corporate VPNs
• Support for Microsoft Terminal Services
• Outlook/Exchange Integration to bring together contacts, calendars and task management
• Support for Windows Mobile Devices

The SI5.5 can also assign tasks and sync to Outlook's calendar for better communication. It also features improved navigation and collapsible windows for smoother workflow.

D-Tools expects to ship the SI5.5 in Q4 2008.

D-Tools released SI5.2 back in May.